Charlatan

I have an assistant that has a very negative outlook on life and it has got me to wondering about the nature of negativity and complaining.

There have been times in my life where I have taken the pessimistic approach and seen the negative in everything. In retrospect it's a suck-ass way to live. The problem with being negative is that it has a snowballing effect... thinking negatively encourages you to see the negative in everything and so you see the negative in most things. It's a vicious that is almost impossible to escape.

In listening to her, I realized that I shared a lot of the same opinions as she does but I haven't fallen into the trap of negativity. I have puzzled about why this is the case. The only thing I have managed to come up with is that I don't try to personalize things. I take something negative and recognize it for what it is an obstacle to getting on with it.

In other words, I recognize what is negative and grapple with it head on. Rather than sit and complain about something, I find out what it is about the issue is and work to fix it.

In most cases, this takes the form of ignoring what others are doing while trying to set an example of the right or better way of doing something.

For me, the key is recognizing that change doesn't happen overnight. Sometimes it takes time for the worm to turn. Having patience. Taking a long view. Not internalizing other's negativity. And most importantly striving to make the things you care about better by actively being part of the solution. Complaining and finger pointing is a waste of time and energy. No?


I am still thinking about this...

What are your methods of dealing with the issue of negativity?

__________________
"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke